#rivervale_lodge

"you like Hearth Agnes, don't you?" Gerd says "I mean, not just respect"

"I do, yes."

"She always seems so.. stern. I know it's trollish, but she's a bit rigid. She tries to change, sometimes, but it's hard for her. And she only changes when it turns out she hurt someone"

Frank cocks an eyebrow.

Gerd squirms "What?"

"The woman has flaws, of course. We all do."

"Yes, I guess. She's also got many virtues, or she wouldn't be so loved. And if there was ever reason to change I guess when you find out you've done harm is the reason to" an admission

"I guess she intimidates me a bit" Considering it "In more ways than one. I AM going to miss her but more because of how much it's going to hurt Kourtney and the other DeBukes. Does that make me shallow?"

"No, I don't think so. You can be both; sad she will pass from you in this life, -and- regret the pain her passing will cause others."

A nod "I hope I can distract Kourtney just a little from her worries."

At that time, Kourtney returns "SO... Gerd and you decide how to celebrate her success yet?"

"Mm. She should tell the tale to the Mountain, and I will have a private word with Brekke. After that, I suppose it's up to the three of them. Four, including Kerri."

"Guys, is this really... do we need to?" Gerd looks torn

"Totally, " Kourtney says "People need to hear about the good things, Gerd. AND to celebrate them"

"Agreed."

"Okay okay" She says "I'll tell the Mountain. " A pause "Can I .. pick the food?"

"I don't see why not, but that's something to talk to Kerri about."

Kourtney whispers "If she wont make you what you want, I will and slip it to your room at your house"

Gerd snorts and smiles "Thank you"

Frank finishes his cider.

"Well, thank you both for hearing the story" Gerd admits "I DID want to share it with someone."

"Anytime" Kourtney nods

"You have cause for rightous pride, Gerd, and I'm honored to know you."

Okay. Gerd can't help but beam a bit "Well, everyone here at Rivervale is pretty awesome"

"And you are of Rivervale."

Gerd smiles

Kourtney pats her shoulder "Now stop being so modest about it. There's middle ground between boast and humble and it's okay if you're comfy there"

"Hear hear."

"I guess." Gerd says then seems to realize "Oh, Frank. I'm sorry. I don't know if I asked you how the trip was?"

"Mm. Fine. Moved the freight, helped who I could."

"Helped ?" Curious look from both girls, Gerd asks "Who'd you help?"

He blinks. "Sometimes I help change a tire, call a tow, maybe fix something mechanical if I can. Not this time, but that's the kind of thing usually."

"oh. the way you said it..." Gerd squints. As if trying to a Gwydion boon despite being common

"Well, I know if I were on the side of the road I'd appreciate the help" Kourtney nods

"I do what I can."

"No offense, Elder ," Gerd says "But you lean towards the humble yourself. If you saved a princess from a dragon while trucking you'd probably just mention helping a lady in need of transport"

"Probably, yes."

Kourtney fights a smile at that, and loses, "Well, worse traits than humility. You and Jaymes share that. After his fight against the Manticore, he just asked for healing and went back to work"

"Well, they are brothers" Gerd points out

"Mmphm."

Frank may not have heard about a fight with a manticore

Which might prove the girls point about humility

And Frank would never say so... double proving it.

The girls start to chatter, well, as much as troll girls do chatter (Rather less than some other kith) about pop culture things that go a bit over Frank.

And Frank gently and carefully removes himself.

Vali comes in, almost heading to the Mountain desk on autopilot

Frank heads upstairs.

And the two nod to each other as they go

((Fin))